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## Ten Types of Penitential Austerities, Their Characteristics and Fruits
**Chapter 4, Light 90 of Yoga Shastra**
According to tradition, **Kayaklesha** (physical austerity) is achieved through specific postures, etc. It also includes refraining from adornment, embellishment, and care of the body, as well as activities like hair removal.
**Doubt:** What is the difference between **Parishha** (endurance) and **Kayaklesha**?
**Solution:** **Kayaklesha** is the voluntary endurance of hardship, while **Parishha** is the involuntary experience of suffering or pain inflicted by others. Thus, there is a difference between the two.
**Sanleena (Immersion) Austerity:** Residing in a secluded, peaceful, and solitary place like a deserted house, temple, assembly hall, mountain cave, etc., free from women, men, and eunuchs; contracting one's senses and limbs; guarding oneself from objects of sense; and restraining the mind, speech, body, senses, and passions - this is **Sanleena** austerity. || 89 ||
These six types are **external austerities**. They require external resources, are visible to others, and are suitable for both non-Jain and householders. Hence, they are called **external austerities**. These six types of external austerities lead to detachment, lightness of the body, control of the senses, preservation of restraint, and the destruction of karmas.
Now, we will discuss the types of **internal austerities**. || 416 ||
**Praayashchitta (Penitence), Vaayaavrutya (Reversion), Swaadhyaaya (Self-Study), Vinaya (Humility), Vyutsarga (Renunciation), and Shubha Dhyaan (Auspicious Meditation) - these are the six types of internal austerities.** || 90 ||
**Explanation:**
1. **Praayashchitta (Penitence):** Even a slight transgression in the primary and secondary virtues pollutes them. To purify them, **Praayashchitta** is performed. It is a special practice of contemplation and remembrance for the purification of those who have deviated from the path of righteous conduct. It is also called **Praayashchitta** when the transgression (in vows) occurs mainly in the mind (consciousness), but not in speech or body. Or, **Praayashchitta** is that which purifies sins and the mind. The word **chiti** is used in the sense of knowledge and purification. (Tattvarth Bhashya 8-22)
**Praayashchitta** is of ten types: 1. **Aalochana** (Confession), 2. **Pratikramna** (Reversion), 3. **Tadubhaya** (Mixed), 4. **Viveka** (Discernment), 5. **Vyutsarga** (Renunciation), 6. **Tap** (Austerity), 7. **Chheda** (Separation), 8. **Mool** (Root), 9. **Anvastaapy** (Irreversible), and 10. **Paaraanchik** (Transitory).
1. **Aalochana (Confession):** **Aalochana** means revealing one's transgressions to the Guru. The transgressions should be revealed in the same order as they were committed. The transgression that carries the most severe penance should be confessed first, followed by the others in descending order. Revealing the faults to the Guru in the same order as they were committed is **Aalochana**. **Praayashchitta** is **anuloomya** (sequential). The **Geetarth** (a commentary) states for the disciple: "Knowing the five, ten, and fifteen, according to the Guru, the minor, and the transgression, if the transgression is major, it should be revealed first, followed by the smaller ones, and then the smallest, in this order."
2. **Pratikramna (Reversion):** Returning to one's true nature after abandoning the transgression is **Pratikramna**. It involves sincere repentance for the sin with a commitment to not repeat it.
3. **Tadubhaya (Mixed):** This involves both **Aalochana** and **Pratikramna**. First, confess to the Guru, and then perform **Pratikramna** as instructed by the Guru.
4. **Viveka (Discernment):** This involves the renunciation of food, water, tools, bedding, etc., that are associated with the mind or soul.
5. **Vyutsarga (Renunciation):** **Kayotsarga** (Renunciation of the Body): This involves renouncing non-essential, faulty, etc., substances; going and coming; sinful (bad) dreams; traveling by boat to the opposite shore; going and coming for bodily functions; cleansing oneself of excrement and urine; and renouncing the activities of the mind, speech, and body with a specific intention. This is **Praayashchitta** in the form of **Kayotsarga** to eliminate those faults.
6. **Tap (Austerity):** According to the **Chheda Granth** (a text) or the **Jita Kalpa Sutra** (a text), if an austerity leads to purification, then it should be performed and practiced.